I'm a beauty editor — here's what I pack in my travel bag

Some of my go-to beauty products while on the go

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026 - 01:00

Sally Foran

As a frequent flyer and traveller, I think it’s safe to say I’ve nailed my beauty on the go routine, whether at home or abroad. These are the products that I always pack in my makeup travel bag.

1. The do-it-all oil

There’s a reason I keep including Holos Anti Aging Facial Oil in lists. It is such a multifunctional product, I never travel without it. Packed with essential oils and Argan oil, which help to soften fine lines and wrinkles, it protects from premature ageing, calms, reduces inflammation, hydrates AND helps balance sebum levels. It contains almost everything I need, in just the one bottle. It also gives my skin a gorgeous glow, which is always badly needed post flight.

€30, holos.ie

2. The SPF/Moisturiser hybrid

Speaking of sunburn, for sun protection I of course bring multiple sunscreens and my new favourite is Solas Skin’s Hydrating Face Cream. It performs remarkably like a Korean sunscreen, as it feels incredibly light, just like a moisturiser, meaning I don’t need to pack a separate one. I top up every two hours throughout the day and use their top up mist.

€34.99, solasskin.ie

3. The lip/blush combo

Speaking of SPF, I’m always conscious to pack products that will protect not just my face, but also any other exposed areas, most notably my lips, as UV rays can trigger a cold sore — not a good look on holiday! I adore Sculpted by Aimee Hydra Lip which provides colour, hydration and moisture in six glossy shades that also are infused with SPF 25. Handily, it also doubles up as a blush.

€19, sculptedbyaimee.com

4. The setting spray

My next must have is Charlotte Tilburys Airbrush flawless setting spray, as despite how much the temperatures climb or what kind of hormonal situations are going on, my make-up will not budge when I use this. On particularly hot days I spray it on before each step for extra longevity. As it’s so lightweight and refreshing it leaves skin feeling hydrated and comfortable too, ideal during heat. Top tip: If you find your eye makeup doesn’t last, mist onto your makeup brushes before applying eyeshadow.

€23 for 34ml, Brown Thomas

5. The complexion palette

5. SOSU Cosmetics Complete Canvas Complexion Palette

SOSU Cosmetics Complete Canvas complexion palette was made for beauty on the go, it’s an absolute game changer, whether you’re travelling or not! It has everything I need for my face — blusher, bronzer, contour, highlighter, foundation, concealer, lipstick and even eyeshadow, all housed in the one lightweight compact palette with beautiful cream textures, ideal for summer when you don’t want to be wearing anything heavy.

€39.95, Dunnes Stores

6. The hydrating mask

As I mentioned in a previous piece on travelling, flying can be notoriously dehydrating so the Miracle mask from Ella and Jo miracle is ideal, it’s THE best hydrating mask I’ve tried. It plumps and hydrates like no other and stops me looking like a dehydrated prune when I land.

Or if I get too much sun, it will rehydrate in minutes. It’s honestly so underrated — and you know a product is good if your daughter steals it.

Infused with squalane, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, it handily comes in a mini version, perfect for travel.

€15 for 15ml, ellaandjo.ie

7. The retinol (yes, really)

7. Elizabeth Ardens retinol + HPR ceramide capsules

Elizabeth Ardens retinol + HPR ceramide capsules is another must-include. Yes, despite what you may have heard, you can use retinol in the summer, and these particular ones can even be used in the daytime due to the type of retinol they contain (provided you wear your SPF, which I hope everyone reading this column is!).

Housed in handy pre-measured ampoules, as well as retinol plus HPR, they also contain ceramides to strengthen the skins barrier, peptides to firm and soothing botanicals, making them another great “one and done” addition to your bag.

€124, Arnotts

8. Skingredients Eye-Light Eye-Bright Under Eye Pads

My eyes tend to get a little bit puffy when travelling and from being in the heat, so eye gels are another non- negotiable.

I’ve been using Skingredients Eye light eye bright eye gels by Jennifer Rock since they launched as they “quench and drench” the skin in just 15 minutes, with hydration increasing by up to 85% after a single use.

Also I love that they contain glycerin, as it’s a clinically respected humectant known to draw water into the skin to help retain much needed moisture.

They also contain arbutin to brighten and refresh the delicate under-eye area, and niacinamide to help visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fatigue. Perfect during or after a flight.